Norad Renewable Energy Enterprise Grant 2026
By Norad (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation)
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Quick Answer
Norad co-funds up to half the cost of feasibility studies, grid infrastructure and guarantee premiums for renewable energy developers in developing countries. The 2026 call closed on 24 March 2026.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 24 March 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Norad (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation). Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The 2026 call for Norad's Support for Enterprise Development in Renewable Energy is closed: the first-round deadline was 24 March 2026. The call page does not mention a next call, but Norad's scheme page says it normally announces this call each December or January, so check Norad's calls page around then.
Norad is Norway's agency for development cooperation. Its enterprise development scheme for renewable energy (EDRE) is a competitive grant scheme that helps renewable energy projects in developing countries reach an investment decision. It is open to companies from any country, Norwegian or international, so an Indian company can apply, but the project itself must be in a country eligible for Norwegian development aid.
What the program offers
Grants reduce risk before investment. They can pay for project development studies such as feasibility work; vital public infrastructure that connects a project to the grid, such as access roads or transmission lines; or a subsidy on the guarantee or risk premium for long-term debt financing. The grant covers up to 50% of incurred project costs, and the applicant pays the remaining 50%. Norad pays in arrears, against actual costs, so you must be able to fund the activity up front before asking for reimbursement. Each call funds around 10 to 20 new agreements. The call page does not state a fixed grant size.
Who can apply
The scheme is aimed at developers. Exporters and suppliers are not covered, and NGOs cannot apply. Norad also expects the applicant to be an independent legal entity, to have policies in line with international best practice on environmental and social matters, and to have ethical guidelines for its own operations. Norad's scheme page says it sets strict financing and expertise requirements so that grants lead to real investment. Projects must be in a country eligible for Norwegian aid; the scheme page gives priority to Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Somalia and Tanzania, then other sub-Saharan African countries.
This suits an Indian renewable energy developer planning a project in an eligible country such as Nepal or in Africa, with audited accounts and the cash to pre-finance work. It does not suit NGOs, equipment suppliers, or companies whose project is in a country not eligible for Norwegian aid. Check the aid-country list to see whether a project in India itself qualifies.
How to apply
Application is in two rounds, both through Norad's Grants Portal, and the call is in English only. In the first round you send a short concept note, audited financial accounts in English for 2024 (or 2025 if available), and confirm you meet the minimum criteria. Successful applicants are invited to send a full application and other required documents in the second round. A practical tip: have audited English accounts ready before the call opens, and read the call text, the clarification answers and the FAQ document that Norad publishes.
How applications are judged and what happens next
The call is competitive. Norad assesses each application against the criteria and weighs it against other applications and the call's overall portfolio, so meeting every criterion does not guarantee a grant. Unsuccessful applicants are told as soon as possible after each round. The page gives no dates for the second round.
About Norad
Norad is the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation. It runs several annual calls under this scheme covering project development, training, and subsidies for guarantees and risk premiums, and opens ongoing calls for public infrastructure that links new energy production to the grid.
Things to check before you apply
- Confirm that a new call is open; none is announced on the 2026 page.
- Check that your project country is eligible for Norwegian development aid.
- Be sure you can finance half of the project and pre-finance all of it.
- Grants are paid in arrears after progress reports are approved, so plan your cash flow.
- Foreign grants may carry tax and foreign-exchange rules for Indian companies; check with an adviser.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
The grant pays up to 50% of the costs of the agreed project activities: project development studies, vital public infrastructure for grid connection, or a subsidy on guarantee and risk premiums for long-term debt financing. It is paid in arrears, based on actual costs and after Norad approves your progress report; payments are normally based on audited project accounts.
- Disbursement
- Reimbursement
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The call is competitive. Norad assesses each application against the call's criteria and weighs it against other applications and the call's overall portfolio, so meeting every criterion does not guarantee a grant. Around 10 to 20 new agreements are made per call.
Application Process
- 1
Concept note
Send a short concept note and audited accounts in English.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Indian company apply for the Norad renewable energy grant?
Yes, the call is open to Norwegian and international companies on equal terms. The project must be in a country eligible for Norwegian development aid, and priority goes to Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Somalia, Tanzania and sub-Saharan Africa.
Who is not eligible?
The scheme is for developers. Exporters and suppliers are not covered, and NGOs cannot apply.
How much of the cost does Norad pay?
Up to 50% of incurred project costs. You finance the rest and pay costs up front, because the grant is paid in arrears.
What can the grant pay for?
Project development studies such as feasibility work, vital public infrastructure that lets a project connect to the grid, or a subsidy on guarantee premiums for long-term debt financing.
Is it a grant or equity?
It is a grant. The sources do not mention Norad taking equity.
When is the next call?
The 2026 call closed on 24 March 2026 and the call page does not mention a next one. Norad's scheme page says it normally announces the call in December or January.
How do I apply?
Through Norad's Grants Portal. The first round is a short concept note with audited accounts in English; successful applicants are invited to send a full application.
What documents do I need?
A concept note, audited financial accounts in English for 2024 (or 2025 if available), and confirmation that you meet the minimum criteria. The full application needs other documents that Norad lists in the call.
Is it free to apply and do I need to travel?
The sources do not state an application fee and do not mention travel; applications are online. Check the call text for any further conditions.
When are results announced?
The page does not give dates. It says unsuccessful applicants are told as soon as possible after each round.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
